BARBACOA “ESPECIAL” HOMEMADE RECIPE - Slow Cooked Beef Cheeks + Lengua

This is BARBACOA "ESPECIAL" the South Texas way. Cachete (Beef Cheeks) + Lengua (Cow Tongue) = an EPIC taco you have to try.
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In South Texas barbacoa is a year round tradition and a must have weekend breakfast along side some corn tortillas, salsa, menudo, pan dulce and don't forget the cafecito.
Heeeeere in the 956 you can buy it by the pound in every city and at every meat market and tortilleria, even HEB sells it by the ton! "Real" barbacoa is made with cachete, and/or lengua and when mixed together its called, “barbacoa especial.”
The beef cheek is fatty, the tongue is lean and the two together make the perfect blend, and that's why it’s special.
You can buy it just about anywhere in South Texas but once in a while we love to make it here at home and we’re gonna show exactly how to cook it perfectly every single time.
The two most popular ways to make it at home are in the crock pot or in the oven - today it’s 8 lbs so we’re using the oven!
The most important pro tip is that you need to cook it low and slow since these are tough cuts of meat, this way the fat fully renders and you get some delicious super tender and juicy barbacoa at the end. The flavors of the meat are so good you only need a couple of simple ingredients.
In this recipe we’re gonna use:
- 8 lbs of cachete, thats beef cheek in english
- One whole lengua, thats tongue meat
- One garlic clove
- One bay leaf
- A light shake of APC OG (salt pepper garlic in the perfect ratio)
- And of course some super good homemade salsa
Salsa Recipe - use the green salsa from this video below:
• TWO SALSAS You Always ...
- Then add one boiled roma tomato, 1 tsp of olive oil, and blend to emulsify.
Were gonna slow cook it in the oven for 6-7 hours. Now let’s get fired up and start cooking barbacoa!

[@DuJoLe]

Barbacoa is hands down my favorite taco filling, its just intense beefy flavor.

[@ALVERGAZ0]

I'm From Brownsville Texas and I like the fact that he explains how cheek and tounge is the traditional way to make barbacoa. There are alot of videos out there teaching ppl to make barbacoa with roast beef , but no sir CHEEK AND TOUNG is the TRADITIONAL WAY . New Subcriber

[@banksta3]

Dry a$$ roasts lol

[@fuscian]

am i mistaken i thought barbacoa in mexico was using lamb and not beef ?

[@joealvarado5399]

@@fuscian that’s birria

[@MedievalLit]

@@fuscian, depending which area of the country you go to, barbacoa in Mexico is made using beef, lamb, or goat.

[@beksaylor]

I know right. I'm here too and have been looking for a recipe.

[@frankmckinnis]

growing up in South Texas, we often bought the whole cow's head (before mad cow disease all but made that impossible) placed the head in a cooking bag with a bit of lawry's and cooked it for about eight hours at about 220 or so in the evening. placed the bag in a roster pan around ten at night and at six in the morning it was ready to go. nothing better.

[@togwy]

Frank, the Best barbacoa (no BBQ) tacos, are Made with the cow head meat. ITS great to know other families enjoy It the same way we all do

[@maryalison1321]

Hi Frank how are you doing. it's nice coming across your amazing comment

[@texasforever5776]

You can still buy the head....it's usually cooked underground, tho. True barbacoa is goat tho.

[@edwinlugo90]

Same way my family in Tampico Mexico make it. Cows head is the way to go.

[@noelmedina4915]

I was 13 when my dad homie came for lunch with a whole cow head and eyeballs staring. I was a little freaked at first but best barbaqua I had.

[@TheCannaBBQ]

Made me want to dance!!! 😂 you inspired me to defrost my cheeks and make barbacoa 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@maryalison1321]

Hi WoodFire how are you doing

[@cornpop3159]

Beef tongue is rich people food these days. I make my "barbacoa" with cheek meat and chuck roast or top round

[@michaelspunich7273]

Yup, before Biden I would pay $20 for a tongue. Now it cost $50!

[@porcky92]

It's not before Biden, it's after Trump

[@gamechanger8398]

That's the right way to do it thoe

[@Exile976]

What ratio of cheek and chuck do you use?

[@chrismedina9571]

@@michaelspunich7273oh Jesus Christ, you think inflation was caused by that old fuck? Do you realize this is going on around the world?! Does you’re entire identity revolve around making anything you can a political comment?! Let’s enjoy arnies videos without bringing in trump or biden into the mix for gods sake

[@76olmeda]

Some of my fondest memories are of my grandpa and uncles cooking barbacoa in holes . They would sing and party all night and in the morning my grandma ,mom and aunts would be making tortillas, eggs , salsa, potatoes while grandpa brought in the barbacoa . Familia and great food is what its all about .❤

[@8bitbunbun]

This is almost exactly how my abuelita makes hers! Sometimes, she puts a layer of banana leaves over the meat before the foil. Sooo so good! And she uses Modelo instead of beef broth. Yum!

[@jaydeeh2353]

You said 956??!!! I’m from Harlingen

[@MedievalLit]

ArnieTex, you did it again… a staple weekend dish from the 956. I remember my grandfather waking me up super early on Sunday mornings and going to Santillan’s toetilleria in San Juan to get cachete, lengua (my favorite), ojos, y cesos. It was a tradition we had since I was around 4-5 yrs old until my very late teens when he started getting Alzheimer’s. It’s something I will always treasure. Thanks again for posting some great food I grew up with and continue to enjoy with my family on the weekends. Your friend from McAllen.

[@MedievalLit]

I just realized you said you had a restaurant in San Juan! While I was born (and now live) in McAllen, I grew up in San Juan until the late 90’s

[@jose.luis.ayala.]

STUCK IN K.C. Grew up in BROWNSVILLE. RGV 4 LIFE 🇲🇽🇺🇸

[@jn5390]

Hi love all your Mexican cooking recipes as I grew up in Mexico now living in Ontario with my mouth watering when watching your videos Keep going Arnie !!

[@killert9098]

I see so many videos of people making “barbacoa” but with regular ass beef meat. Idk how it is in other places but in Texas I’ve always had it where it’s cheek meat. So much better than the knock off barbacoa other people are trying to make. This looks so good!

[@banksta3]

Cheeks have become more pricey over the years, so even taqueria's are using roasts and just adding more broth or fat to the finished product so that it's not as dry. Definitely not the same, but it helps.

[@ToddMeadows]

That beef tongue has really gone up in price.

[@MidnightOracle8]

😢😢

[@killerhair5833]

I can't wait to make this. I grew up in the RGV and every Sunday morning my mom would wake up early to get barbacoa, fresh tortillas, pan dulce, and a 3 liter coke for my brother and I. Great memories from my childhood. Thank you for sharing this recipe.

[@ctucker258]

Raymondville! 🙋‍♂ Same sunday routine we had. Plus medudo!

[@gloriagibney3085]

Growing up at my Grandmother's every Sunday my Grandfather would go before daylight to get first choice, my Grandmother would like to eat everything eyeballs brains she would say you want some I Spanish , I would be shaking my head NOOOOOOOOO ‼️ She would say it's good 😋🤪 I still don't eat that But love the cheek meat ‼️ Yes Please

[@themiscriant]

Im from Houston, TX and you remind me so much of my uncles. I randomly got the itch to make barbacoa but didn't remember how they used to make it. Your video was super helpful! Subscribed!

[@ArnieTex]

Hope you enjoy

[@notsure1872]

Fellow Houstonian. We have some great taquerias here in Pasadena. Delicious food

[@mauro5481]

LOOKING GOOD 👍

[@frankthetank1369]

Just remember low an slow. Low temperature about 250 minimum for about 4 hours oven or stove top.

[@maryalison1321]

@@frankthetank1369 Hi Frank how are you doing

[@meancuisine8]

Wait..... No cebolla?!?!? Arnie!!!!

[@AlismonitesPatrides]

Arnie, I made it! My first Barbacoa. I used chuck roast and cachete. First oven roasting and then pressure cooker until super tender (took me 3 hours overall). Extremely yummy. Seasoned with salt-paper-garlicpowder and a ground bay leaf. It’s perfect, just like I’ve been having it in taco restaurants. Served on corn tortillas, with cilantro, lime, and your salsa verde (which I made following your salsa roja/verde video). Thanks a lot!!

[@ArnieTex]

Great job!

[@enriqueolivares1420]

@@ArnieTex Any instructions on how to do it in a slow cooker?

[@sushicat4152]

I am half Mexican and this has always been the pinnacle of self-validation for me to be able to cook barbacoa. I have tried other recipes and it has never came out right. I used your recipe for one of our latina nurse interns celebratory party who will becoming a brand spanking new labor and delivery nurse and EVERYONE loved it and said it tasted very legit!! Thank you so much for sharing this recipe with us it means the world to me

[@beksaylor]

Shout out to the 956, I'm down here now and have been looking for an authentic recipe. I can eat Barbacoa everyday. Stripes makes some of the best... but now it's time to make my own. So thanks for the video.

[@steeltalon105]

I'm in love with barbacoa ❤ It's truly heavenly tasting!!!

[@herward1047]

I love barbacoa, I grew up in San Antonio but cannot get it where I live now here in Leander. This looks so simple I have to try it. Thank you for the recipe.

[@TheWheelsOnTheRideGo]

Wahhh. Your rite outside of Austin there's gotta be some good barbacoa.

[@herward1047]

@@TheWheelsOnTheRideGo Places have barbacoa but it's not the kind he has prepared or the kind I used to get in SA. I am not sure exactly what it is...but it is reddish in color almost like barbecue pork...it tastes okay but it is not the traditional barbacoa. So if you are ever in the area just know if the menu says barbacoa it might not be what you are wanting.

[@grahamgeeting6522]

I bought a 1/4 cow and got the whole tongue. Very excited to try this recipe out on Friday! Looks great!

[@ArnieTex]

Hope you enjoy

[@maryalison1321]

Hi Graham how are you doing

[@tellrich29]

Right on Arnie. Great video but even better barbacoa recipe. HEB here I come.

[@beerman9807]

I love H‑E‑B , good quality meat

[@athenajorg738]

I'm so happy you posted this video. I have cheek and tounge I've been saving for the perfect recipe. :) I'm doing it this weekend. Thanks Arnie

[@francescamacho4863]

Aww this Barbacoa looks so delicious. Thank you 🙏 for sharing your recipes.

[@TheMonkeyeats]

Bought your O.G. and WOW at Prasek's smoke house in EL CAMPO !! GREAT STUFF !!

[@ArnieTex]

Thank you

[@pepsiguy467]

This was amazing!! I have made several items from your channel and I have never had anything but compliments . Where did you learn to make this? I always refer them to your channel.

[@isabelcantu4474]

Love this! I’m going to make Barbacoa for my grandmother who is a born and bread Texican for her 90th birthday … will Definitely be inspired by this recipe … gracias from ATX ❤

[@L33W41K41]

Thank you so much Arnie! I used your recipe and I'm totally addicted! Addicted to the flavor, the time it takes and how EASY it is! We paired it with Native American fried bread since we are part Natives in this household. It is SO GOOD! Thank you ❤

[@frankthetank1369]

I bought 2 packs of beef cheeks yesterday from Walmart on Causeway Blvd in Brandon Florida Tampa. Im making it again. Yummy. First time i tried it in San Antonio Texas i got hooked about 25 years ago.

[@210pitmasterjoey]

Subscribed

[@txrick4879]

Barbacoa back in the days was the whole head made in a large hole in the ground with stones covered with fire . 55 gal drum cut in half with holes in the side to lift with hooks and put over stones . The pit was covered with tin and in the early morning pulled out . The man that did it would sell out in 2 or 3 hours starting at 6 in the morning . I miss that but a slow cooker worked well . Thanks for tips .

[@shindukess]

Some cotija or oaxaca cheese would be a good topping.

[@czerniana]

Well, my boyfriend thanks you for posting this! He’s a Texan stuck in Ohio, and misses home. I’ll have to make this soon!

[@dwaynewladyka577]

That sure looks good. Cheers, Arnie! 👍👍✌️🌮🌮

[@tomtheplummer7322]

I always believed authentic barbacoa had to be cheek meat🤷‍♂️👍🏻

[@vickihandel3620]

Thank you for sharing this awesome recipe! I’m from SETX around Houston. You’re educating us well! I adore this dish

[@ArnieTex]

You are so welcome!

[@rjflo409]

SETX 409 🤟🏼

[@luisgarza4210]

Hey Arnie, I love your recipes, I was born and raised in San Juan, Tx about 3 blocks from the Basilica. Barbacoa, especially the one that was buried and cooked, I used to help my Aunt in Brownsville in removing the meat from the whole cows heads. To me, that was the best Barbacoa. Enjoy your recipes, especially the carne Guisada.

[@danielrobinson7872]

Barbacoa is my absolute favorite way to have meat. Really hard to find it here in Missouri. Definitely one of the biggest things I miss about living in Texas. Really easy to get down there.

[@maryalison1321]

Hi Daniel how are you doing

[@frankthetank1369]

The first time i had it was in San Antonio Texas. Good stuff. Im hook from day one.

[@ramoncortez8623]

Wow, that barbacoa looks amazing!

[@DavidBooker-mj5yh]

I made this recipe and it was absolutely fantastic! Thanks, Arnie!

[@maryalison1321]

Hi David how are you doing

[@TheRubenGalvan]

I thought Barbacoa was just made with beef cheek, and Lengua was only for Tortas or tacos.

[@AdrianSorola]

Can I use the regular like old aluminum roasting pans?

[@miniblasan5717]

I have certainly never tried eating cow tongue, but I can imagine that it is as common as eating moose tongue and bear heart here in Sweden, which is what I did as a teenager. But it's usually farmers or hunters who eat these and sometimes refuse to sell/give away the meat.

[@andkucz1352]

Hey Arnie. Love the videos. My wife is from Weslaco and we live in Buffalo. I’ve been making dish after dish, own your seasonings and love it. We make homemade flour tortillas but corn tastes bad outside of restaurants. May you please make a video on how to make corn tortillas taste better for tacos? Mine taste dry and bland. They frankly try to sabotage my meats. Please and thank you! Also you really have a great way of making videos. Subtle things you say in a positive light really keep this channel top tier.

[@hankb2379]

Can you do a condiment episode? Like sauces or salsas? Not all your secrets but maybe a few?

[@hclvchef]

To @Arnietex , I made this yesterday for a fundraiser at my mom's church. People were blown away by this. It came out awesome, perfect and delicious. Thx brother

[@MrTikbik2000]

I did this except after the 20 min on each side I put it in the Instant Pot High Pressure 1.5 hrs…..QUE RICO!

[@ArnieTex]

Great tip! Thanks for sharing that

[@Capnobvious]

Man got me sitting here mouth watering wishing I had some Barbacoa and menudo in front of me.

[@eljefe09]

Looks awesome Arnie, I like to add some lemon pepper seasoning when I make mine.

[@A.G.Rich51]

I guess I'll be making barbacoa today. Going to the store time meow

[@AlismonitesPatrides]

Your video is wholesome and very nice. Love the friendly and cheerful South Texas vibes!

[@ArnieTex]

Thanks so much!

[@oqwazyme4616]

Barbacoa...man I am coming over !!

[@PolarBearXx]

I use beef cheecks and toss them in slow cooker when it’s done cooking I put them in a container with holes and a bottom container where the fat drips I mush it with a huge spoon and fat drips …heat tortillas make guacamole 🥑 I add salt to my taco and enjoy ….it’s sooo good but watch out it will clog your arteries

[@JDDOWDY]

Oh yeah let's eat. Thanks for sharing your video. God bless from west Texas.

[@frankthetank1369]

I made Barbacoa yesterday with beef cheeks & cow tongue. Yummy.

[@adrianm7533]

There’s folks that don’t believe tongue is that good, but if there’s any meat I could exist on, it would be tongue!🤤👏🏽

[@elizah98]

rico pero falto las hojas de maguey

[@ShaneTheViking]

Was in shipyard in Brownsville for a few months, when the locals showed up and brought lunch, we all started paying them to bring some for us too, until someone asked what was in these burritos. Out of 150 guys, me and 2 or 3 people kept asking for more. If it tastes good and doesn't kill me, I'll eat just about anything, and those tacos were good.

[@001SapoBBQ]

Heck yeah.,. I never tried the oven yet. I'm done slow cooker and instant pot.... No more sesos in barbacoa... Yours came out awesome Carnal 👍

[@qwaszxpolkmncvb]

There was a small restaurant by my old neighborhood in Phoenix that used Dr. Pepper and orange juice to make that in a crackpot.

[@adaybaben1842]

I'm definitely making this. Looks delicious! ❤

[@Mrbigmike311]

Wow I did not know I was eating tongue all this time! Barbacua has been a favorite of mine for a long time

[@maryalison1321]

Hi Eduardo how are you doing....

[@CRISTHAL21]

Can you use the same recipe for lamb?

[@funklejoe5835]

Te aventaste viejo! Im copy 🐈 your recipe as we speak... hopefully my momma approves también! Saludos!

[@alg6156]

Arnie we need a recipe for flour tortillas. I’ve tried different ones from different channel pero no me sale.

[@jessesanchez2801]

On an oven is cooking the same thing as roast or broil?

[@bobbyfried7478]

could i cook it in a roaster? i wonder because our oven is broken...i have a roster..as always love your videos. you should start a patreon would definitely support your channel.

[@henrylara8876]

Arnie did mention that using a roaster is also an option.

[@CrawfishBoil]

Yeah, just throw it in the roaster the night before, set it for low, and wake up to some barbacoa. If you're unsure if the meat is tender enough by sight, grab a meat thermometer and look for an internal temp of 200-205. This is the temp that all the fatty connective tissue starts falling apart at. Anything lower and the meat is going to be tough.

[@bigfatcreep8784]

Thats the REAL DEAL right there!!..HELLYEAH!..I USE TO LIVE ON ATHOL st on I road.. Next to the san juan church.. I sure miss home!.. THX FOR VIDEO!.. GONNA TRY OUT THE MIX OF MEAT TOGETHER!.. CANT WAIT. PURO PINCHE 956

[@SugarWire.]

I would dance too! 🤤 Thank you for teaching us!

[@GQFunkyMoney]

Thanks for this recipe! Just made a batch with cachete only - got an amazing result.

[@RahulSharma-mo1kr]

Arnie, Merry Xmas to You, Your Family and All of The Fellow Viewers! May you all have a Wonderful and Blessed New Year! Thank you so much for all of your videos and inspiring me to take the first step in starting the business idea that has been in my mind for the last couple of months. Can I ask is it the case that barbacoa traditionally is cooked with goat or lamb, or is this only in certain areas of Mexico? Thank you. Regards, Rahul.

[@frankgarcia4012]

Where was ur restaurant in San Juan? I grew up there

[@gilbertlopez3313]

Hermano, are you supposed to remove the skin from the tongue after the cooking process?

[@ArnieTex]

I prefer to do it that way but you can do before too.

[@joshuaglenn9524]

Are you able to make it in an instant pot to speed up cooking time? If so, do you have a video for it? Keep up the good work. Love watching your videos.

[@ArnieTex]

I haven't done it in an instant pot yet.

[@TheMJT515]

Way back in the day my grandpa and his brothers had a meat market and they would make barbacoa in the pozo. I of course wasn't even a twinkle in my parents eyes yet.

[@Professional-fh1ow]

I've never made the cachete WITH the lengua but it sounds good. I typically make my lengue with a flavorful sauce. I get upset when I see people make it with chuck roast. It just doesn't have the same flavor and richness.

[@AlismonitesPatrides]

Recently moved to San Antonio. Already in love with barbacoa! Other than lengua, what are the best meat cuts for it?

[@AlismonitesPatrides]

@@chelleroberson3222 especial

[@kevincain2697]

I'm in Toledo Ohio and I would love to get my hands on plate of that .that looks so good and it's making my mouth water. 👍🎉🤤🤤🤤🤗🥲

[@lb0193]

Arnie from the valley?

[@robertbenavides3899]

Shout Out @Arnie Tex #Come on #Yeah Buddy #Puro Barbacoa 🌮 #Nomas Necesita El Big Red #Owe Yeah :)

[@ArnieTex]

ROBERT!

[@OLHEAD1974]

I haft to say ! I really enjoy your videos it reminds me of home back in Tejas! Mucho gracias amigo!!

[@ArnieTex]

Glad you like them!

[@bongdonkey]

Comida de Sonora? Salut!

[@oBuLLzEyEo1013]

Oh my God I'm from Texas Austin to be more specific and I love me some Barbacoa and lengua with some big red brother...

[@johnstewart7559]

Watching this from Kingsville Tx. Gonna make some for memorial day. Great video.

[@01comegetsome]

Going to make some on New years Eve. Glad you made a video because this will be my first time making it.

[@chrismmmm7776]

Looking forward to seeing this video Arnie Tex...

[@TexasFenceGuy]

What cut of meat could you use if cachete is not available near you?

[@ArnieTex]

brisket and chuck roast are the most common but the flavor is totally different, good but different.

[@edwardgutierrez3323]

Well Arnie ...EXCELLENT...BEAUTIFUL RECIPE...WOW....KEEP IT UP ARNIE....WOW

[@sammysammy7666]

Making it right now, with everything except the OG. I'm using my own blend, didn't have yours

[@cjcedillo70]

Good morning Arnie.thank for the tips👍🏽looks good,,it’s looking 👀 WOW!!

[@louispalacios2379]

Thanks Arnie heading to SPI now Brownsville. What Carneseria do you recommend for meats n spices. Thanks LP San Antonio

[@i075507]

If it's momma approved I know that is good!! MAN I CAN'T WAIT TO TRY THIS RECIPE . If you have to buy flour tortillas i recommend HEB BUTTER TORTILLAS. Woooohhhhweeed

[@santiagotrevino9469]

My dad would make it on Sunday morning. . can't wait 🤠

[@illestone956]

I say you and cowboy kent rollins should make a video together and cook up a good recipe 🤔

[@Belloking1]

Ohh yes imm making this

[@michellehernandez7984]

Wow ive been making barbacoa with the cheeks only because that top sin on the tongue looked gross! Didnt know that it locked so beefy under the skin!!!

[@chrismedina9571]

I have a question, after you roast it at 400 degrees for 20 mins on each side and it’s time for the slow cooking, do you leave the pan in the oven when you turn the temp back down or do you take it out and wait for the oven to get down to 250 degrees?

[@raquelaguillon5336]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@noesepulveda6794]

Wooooooo babeee